The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 50

That day Dhaumya came with  such excitement on his face that Bheem literally have to keep him steady on his feet as he is unable to balance his gait. Panchali looked surprised on seeing him behave so odd.Arjun looked at Sahadev who as usual did not give any clue .Yudhishtir and Nakul together questioned.' What happened? Any good news you brought? " Dhaumya drank the water brought by Draupadi and controlled himself. Slowly he spoke.' Maharaj,Karna donated his armour and earrings." The brothers were dumbfounded.Panchali raised her eyebrows. For a minute they all are in trance. Then Yudhishter 's face bloomed with happiness.
Arjun asked.' To whom?" Dhaumya stared at him and replied. ' To your father,Indra." Arjun's face became pale and sad. Panchali understood his feelings and asked Dhaumya to tell everything elaborately.Dhaumya continued.' Indra went to Karna in disguise and begged him his natural earrings and armour.Karna agreed and exchanged them for a devastating Astra that can definitely kill one person he aimed to kill.He can use it only once.It is the Sakti weapon."Yudhishtir 's face changed colours.' How could Indra grant Sakti weapon knowing that he will use it on his son only?But the loss of his armour made me relaxed as I have no sleep since twelve years thinking about him and his valour.Now I can  sleep happily." Arjun got up and walked away.
Bheem frowned and confronted Yudhishtir.' Eldest,you should have thought before you speak.What do you mean? Phalgun is inferior to Karna? Did you forget how he vanquished him after the Swayamvara ?" Yudhishtir replied.' I know it. But I still am concerned about my brother.Karna had that natural armour which can not be pierced by any Astra .As it was taken away now I worry about that Sakti weapon.Panchali could not control herself.' So you think his years of hard work,his penance, Pashupata , Indra's Vajrayudh every thing waste before that Sakti weapon? Above all he has his Madhav who will never allow any mishap happen to his Parth."

Bheem approved her words and supported. ' Panchali is right.Arjun is our deadliest weapon against our rivals. We should not demoralise him.To hell with Karna and his stupid plans. I believe in Arjun's skills.Panchali go and tell him we all believe in him. Ask him not to take Eldest's words seriously "
Panchali searched for him and found him not in his usual practice place but away from the mango grove nearer to the shore.He had his Gandiv in hand and shooting arrows into the water relentlessly with his jaw tightened and his face looking grim . The natural pleasing smile that appears on his face is missing .As it is Pradosh the sky is shining in orange red colour.Panchali quickly went nearer and placed her hand on his that curled round the middle space of Gandiv  firmly.Arjun took away her hand without looking into her face.
Another arrow zoomed past with whirling sound and struck the waters forcefully.Panchali got afraid on seeing his never seen fury. Arjun stop it." She pleaded with him in her soft loving tone.' You know him and his fears and weaknesses.Dont take him seriously.Your Bhrata Bheem said that he has complete faith in your ability. He is a warrior. He knew how to acknowledge another warrior.Isnt it enough for you?"
Arjun looked sharply into her eyes.' You can't understand Krishnaa. It hurts. The brother for whom I toiled hard on that dreadful Snowy peaks,The rigorous penance I did,the long hours of strenuous practice in heaven,my fight with Nivatakavachas to test myself every thing appears useless now. For Eldest,Karna who fled from the Gandharvas leaving Duryothan at their mercy is the ultimate warrior. Even Chitra Sen defeated him and made him run for his life.He has his armour intact then,no? I never found it difficult to overpower him even without Gandiv in the after Swayamvara battle. Still my Eldest thinks he is superior. I am frustrated Krishnaa."
Arjun sat on the boat keeping away his Gandiv,Panchali walked nearer stood closer and took his face in her hands.She pushed back the curls that are falling over his eyes and said firmly.' I believe in your valour. I believe Siva's statement that none can conquer my Arjun.No Sakti weapon can harm my husband . Hundred Karna's together can not defeat my Arjun. Not possible. With or without armour,With or without Sakti weapon." Arjun looked into her lotus eyes mesmerised at the confidence with which she spoke.His hazel eyes got back the twinkle.Panchali kissed on his forehead and declared. ' You will defeat him,punish him for uttering the unpardonable words to your Krishnaa,Govind assured me. I have faith. He is nothing before you. You will win."Arjun hugged her closer and placed his head on her heart that chants his name with every heartbeat.He will take it lightly .His Eldest is fearful. Madhav has faith. Krishnaa believes in his valour.Bhrata Bheem knows his might. He will vanquish Karna certainly." Arjun smiled with confidence and Yajnaseni repeated .' Yes you will Arjun,without doubt."